Bio & Background
John Kennedy
R · RepublicanSenate President Pro Tempore
District 18
Term: Jan 11, 2021 – Jan 13, 2025
John Kennedy has served as President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate since 2021, representing the 18th district in Macon. He is an attorney and has served in the Georgia Senate since 2008, focusing on judiciary and appropriations matters.
Public Positions
Taxes & Fiscal Policy
“The Georgia Senate will continue to pursue responsible tax policy that keeps the state competitive for business investment while funding the essential services Georgians depend on.”
Source: press release · Feb 1, 2023
Criminal Justice
“Georgia must address the causes of crime while ensuring swift and certain consequences for those who commit violent offenses. Balancing prevention with accountability is the right approach.”
Source: press release · Mar 10, 2023
Voting Record
Criminal Justice
Position on recordHB 520: Juvenile Justice Reform and Second Chance Act
Reforms Georgia's juvenile justice system by raising the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 17-year-olds, diverting eligible youth from adult prosecution, and expanding community-based alternatives to secure detention. The bill requires a risk assessment tool for detention decisions and establishes reentry support programs for youth transitioning from secure facilities.
Apr 4, 2023
Elections
No stated positionSB 1: Election Integrity and Voter Access Modernization Act
Modifies existing provisions of Georgia's Election Integrity Act of 2021, including adjustments to absentee ballot request deadlines, expanded early voting hours on Sundays, and new requirements for county election boards to certify results. The bill also establishes a voter roll maintenance schedule and sets standards for drop box availability.
Mar 27, 2023
Infrastructure
No stated positionHB 1: Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act
Authorizes $1.3 billion in state transportation funding for highway expansion, bridge repair, and multimodal infrastructure projects. The bill prioritizes rural connectivity projects and establishes a new rural road safety program. Funding is drawn from motor fuel tax revenues and a new state infrastructure bond issuance.
Mar 28, 2024
Education
No stated positionSB 129: Education Savings Account Expansion Act
Expands Georgia's existing school voucher program, known as education savings accounts, to students in low-performing public schools statewide. The bill increases the maximum scholarship amount and expands eligible uses to include tutoring, educational therapy, and curriculum materials, with annual program capacity of up to 35,000 students.
Apr 18, 2023
Healthcare
No stated positionSB 233: Medicaid Postpartum Coverage Extension Act
Extends Medicaid coverage for postpartum women from 60 days to 12 months following birth. Georgia is one of the last states to adopt this optional Medicaid extension made available under the American Rescue Plan Act. The extension applies to mothers who were enrolled in Medicaid during pregnancy.
Apr 6, 2023
Campaign Finance
$260,000
Top Donor Type
pac
Number of Donors
3
Top Donors
| Donor | Amount |
|---|---|
| Georgia Trial Lawyers Association | $110,000 |
| Georgia Bankers Association PAC | $85,000 |
| Piedmont Healthcare | $65,000 |
Campaign finance data reflects reported contributions. Availability varies by state and reporting cycle. Data may not be complete.